No artist has touched the heart of Sonoran culture quite like Ettore “Ted” Degrazia. Known as the most reproduced artist in history, Degrazia’s love for the Southwest shines brightly through his unique art. If you’re in Oro Valley, you have the chance to see his original works up close at the Sun Museum. This delightful 10-acre historic district beautifully displays his architecture, sculptures, and paintings.
The journey begins with the Mission in the Sun, built in 1951. This charming building features a beautifully tiled altar dedicated to La Virgen de Guadalupe. It’s a beloved religious site where locals frequently leave offerings in her honor. The mission’s walls showcase original murals painted by Degrazia himself. Although the site endured a fire in 2017, the restoration has preserved some of the fire damage as part of its story. Since then, 12 more buildings have been added, each with its own impressionistic take on Southwestern architecture.
The gallery inside the museum offers a rotating lineup of exhibitions, including about 15,000 original works by Degrazia. Among these treasures is “Degrazia’s Ballet,” a captivating series of paintings from 1950 to 1961 that steps away from his traditional Southwest themes. You’ll also find his interpretation of Paleolithic Art and the intriguing “Degrazia’s Procession,” a collection spanning 28 years that depicts the vibrant procession rituals of Native American and Latino communities.
While you’re there, don’t miss the consignment shop with authentic originals available for purchase, as well as the gift shop offering a wide variety of reproductions. It’s a great opportunity to bring a piece of Degrazia’s art home with you.
Sources
– Mission in the Sun – Google Maps
– Sun Museum Website